Jeju Art for Earth 2025 launched its inaugural edition on Thursday at Dongbaekdongsan Wetland on Jeju Island, bringing together environmental consciousness and artistic expression through works created entirely from recycled and natural materials. The groundbreaking four-day art festival represents a new approach to combining sustainability with cultural celebration, featuring artwork that transforms waste into meaningful artistic statements.

The festival, under the direction of Will Yaya and Jessica Jungmin Lee, is primarily hosted at the Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort and showcases the creative works of 32 artists representing 15 different countries. The diverse collection of artworks demonstrates innovative uses of discarded natural materials and recycled waste, including communication cables, aluminum, olive seeds, marine debris, and locally sourced Jeju basalt. This unique approach highlights how artists can address environmental concerns while creating compelling visual experiences.

Among the notable participating artists is Lee Sung-keun, whose artwork "humannaturelovelight" exemplifies his long-standing practice of combining discarded industrial materials with natural objects in large-scale installations. His work represents years of dedication to exploring the relationship between human-made waste and the natural environment. Additionally, Peter Farrington will present a live painting performance that captures the distinctive landscape of Dongbaekdongsan Wetland directly onto canvas, bringing the festival's environmental message to life through real-time artistic creation.

Farrington brings a unique perspective to the festival as both an accomplished artist and ecological sustainability expert, having devoted the past 45 years to nature conservation activities through artistic expression. His dual expertise allows him to bridge the gap between environmental science and creative arts, making complex ecological concepts accessible through visual storytelling and live artistic demonstrations.

The choice of Jeju Island as the festival's location holds special significance, as organizers noted in their official statement that Jeju stands as the only island in the world to receive UNESCO recognition across all five major categories. These prestigious designations include World Natural Heritage status, Biosphere Reserve recognition, Global Geopark certification, Intangible Cultural Heritage designation for the traditional Haenyeo culture, and Memory of the World recognition, making it an ideal backdrop for an environmentally focused art festival.

In keeping with its commitment to creating an inclusive cultural experience, Jeju Art for Earth 2025 features an extensive variety of cultural programs designed to engage diverse audiences and celebrate different traditions. The festival's lobby at Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort houses a comprehensive photography exhibition that portrays the daily lives and traditions of the haenyeo, the renowned women divers of Jeju Island whose cultural practices have earned UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition.

Further expanding its cultural scope, the festival includes an Arab cultural lounge that showcases the traditional architecture and distinctive attire of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, complete with opportunities for visitors to experience authentic date tastings. This international cultural component demonstrates the festival's broader mission to connect environmental awareness with global cultural understanding and appreciation.